Tag: special needs childcare

We recently took a look at some ways that you can encourage communication for a nonverbal autistic child. In that post, we discussed how play, social interaction, imitation of your child’s sounds and behaviors, nonverbal communication cues, and giving them enough room to respond can help the development of communication skills. Today, we’ll be completing this two-part look at how you can help develop your child’s communication skills. If you’re in need of childcare for your special needs child, call Darlene’s Wee Care 4 Kids.

-Simplify Your Communication

When you make your vocabulary minimal and simplified, it not only makes it easier for your child to understand, it also makes it easier for them to imitate that speech. If your child is nonverbal, keep it to single words (i.e. if they’re playing with a ball, say “ball” or “roll”). If they have begun to speak in single words, you can increase it to a short, two-word phrase (i.e. “throw ball” or “roll ball”). Keep the “one-up” rule in mind, where you use phrases with one more word than they are using. As they gain understanding, they’ll pick more words and phrases up and their communication skills can develop.

-Follow What They’re Interested In

Instead of steering your child’s focus away from something that has their interest, follow along by narrating their actions. Stick to the “one-up” rule with this as you describe their actions. The verbalization of what they’re doing allows them to make the connection to their actions with their corresponding names. Learning the vocabulary associated with something they enjoy and are interested in allows them to make connections easier than if they are presented with new actions and words all at once. That can cause them to retreat inwards, avoiding communication and interaction on the whole.

-Consider Devices and Visual Supports

There are many types of devices and visual supports available that can help facilitate communication while fostering the development of speech skills. For example, there are some devices and apps with pictures that produce words when your child touches them. Not only does that help a nonverbal child communicate, having a visual representation of the word they are attempting to say, combined with the audio of the word playing in direct connection to them, it can help them learn the vocabulary and how to vocalize what they are hoping to say.

While the strategies we’ve discussed in this two-part series have been successful for many parents with nonverbal and/or autistic children, it’s important to remember that every child is different. Something that may be successful for one person might not land with your child. Discuss with your child’s therapist strategies you’ve tried, what they connect with, and what they reject. They’ll be able to provide further advice depending on what is successful and what difficulties your child may be encountering. While it is a difficult situation, it’s vital to show patience to allow your child to develop at their own pace.

If you are in the Upper Darby area and you’re looking for childcare for your special needs child, call Darlene’s Wee Care 4 Kids. We’re here to help!

Communicating with children can be a difficult task on its own, but it becomes even tougher with a nonverbal autistic child. However, it is possible to not only find ways to effectively communicate with them, you can also help them develop their verbal skills in a way that is comfortable to them. With that being said, it’s important to remember not all autistic children are the same. While one strategy may work perfectly for one situation, that’s not to say it will be right for another. In hopes of improving communication skills, we have put together this list of ways you can help a nonverbal autistic child communicate. If you are in need of childcare that doesn’t leave behind children with special needs, call Darlene’s Wee Care 4 Kids.

-Play and Social Interaction

Much of any child’s education comes as a product of playing, including learning language and communication skills. Find games that your child enjoys playing to engage them. Include activities that encourage social interaction, such as singing and reciting nursery rhymes. While you’re interacting with your child, keep yourself in front of them and close to eye level, as that will make it easier for them to see and hear you.

-Mimic Your Child

Pay attention to the sounds and behaviors your child makes while interacting. You can help them be more vocal by imitating the sounds they make, while encouraging them to copy you and take turns going back and forth with sounds. Only imitate their behavior when it is a positive action. For instance, if they roll a toy car, you roll yours as well. But, if they throw their car, don’t follow suit. This is an opportunity to show them good behavior first hand.

-Nonverbal Communication

Small things like gestures and eye contact can help an autistic child form the foundation for future language and communication skills. Exaggerate your gestures to get your communicate your feelings to them. Use your voice and body while communicating, such as extending your hand and saying the word “look”. Observe your child’s gestures and respond to them in kind. When they see you communicating like this, they will be more likely to use this technique to communicate with you and others.

-Give Them Space to Talk

When talking to your child, it is easy to feel like you need to help them along when they don’t respond right away. This can make them more shy about answering since they feel like you’ll answer for them. When you ask them a question, give them ample time to answer while watching expectantly. Keep an eye out for any sounds they make or nonverbal gestures, as this may be the only way they can respond at that time. Then, respond to that gesture promptly to help them establish the flow of communication.

That wraps up part one of our look at some ways you can help a nonverbal autistic child communicate. We’ll be diving into part two in a couple of weeks, but we hope these strategies help you with your little one. If you’re looking for childcare services in Upper Darby that will give your special needs child the attention and care they deserve, call Darlene’s Wee Care 4 Kids. We’re here to help!